In Episode 2 of Postmarked & Tipsy, we featured a postcard sent from the summit of Mount Washington in 1947.

At first, it seemed simple.

But once we started researching the address, the sender, and a second label on the card, things got confusing very quickly.

In this “Story Behind the Story” episode, we go deeper into:

• a town in Iowa that may not exist
• a second address in New Hampshire
• a possible redirected postcard
• and the question of whether this message ever reached its intended recipient

We may have gone down a few research rabbit holes… and we’re still not sure we have the answer.

Listen to Episode 2 for the full postcard discussion

Because sometimes the mystery isn’t what the postcard says…it’s where the postcard went. 

“Crossed the lake last night… moonlight and everything.”

In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we read a 1939 postcard from the Warm Friend Tavern in Holland, Michigan—and what looks like a simple travel note quickly opens the door to something much bigger.

The message itself is short:
A quiet update about crossing the lake, a beautiful night, and plans to head through Chicago.

But the building in the image?
That’s where things get interesting.

🏨 The Warm Friend Tavern
Originally built in the 1920s as a major hotel in Holland, Michigan, the Warm Friend wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a social hub:
• Banquet halls
• A Dutch-themed grill room
• Visitors from across the country… and even Hollywood

And just steps away?
👉 The site of a Depression-era bank robbery and gunfight

🔫 Hidden History
What the postcard doesn’t say:
• A Chicago gangster and his crew robbed a nearby bank
• A shootout broke out in broad daylight
• Bullet holes are still visible in the building today

None of that made it onto the postcard.
But it’s part of the story.

🍸 Tavern Drink: Sidecar
To match the era, this episode features a classic Sidecar:
• Cognac
• Orange liqueur
• Lemon juice
Sharp, citrusy, and very 1930s.

❓ Final Thought
A simple message.
A beautiful night.
And a building with a history no one mentioned.

Because as always—
we have questions.

“We’re so sorry we didn’t see you Sunday…”

In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we read a postcard that might be one of the most passive-aggressive apologies ever sent.

The situation:
👉 Someone skipped Easter with their mother
👉 And chose to explain it… by postcard

🌲 The Excuse
Instead of visiting family, they went to:
• Cathedral of the Pines
• A scenic, peaceful location
• On Easter morning

And then wrote:
It was very lovely… but cold.

☎️ A Simple Question
Why not:
• Call?
• Visit later?
• Explain in person?

Instead…
👉 A postcard.

🍫 Tavern Drink: Cadbury Mini Egg Martini
Because it’s Easter—and priorities matter:
• Sweet
• Dessert-inspired
• Slightly chaotic

🧠 Also in This Episode:
• Family dynamics and expectations
• Inheritance jokes (did she lose it??)
• Real-life location deep dives

❓ Final Thought
A missed holiday.
A delayed apology.
And a message that raises more questions than it answers.

As always, we have questions.

“I collect postcards, hankies… and pen pals.”

In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, a postcard from the summit of Mount Washington turns into something that feels less like a travel update…
And more like a personal ad.

Sent in 1947, the message lists hobbies, interests, and a curious invitation:
What are your hobbies? Do you like scenes?

🌲 A Message That Feels… Off
The sender:
• Collects everything (postcards, coins, hankies, pen pals)
• Talks about cutting winter wood
• Asks personal questions… on a postcard anyone could read

Which raises the question:
👉 Who was this meant for?

🍁 Tavern Drink: Maple Mead
Inspired by New England, this episode features maple mead from Sap House Meadery:
• Maple syrup
• Wildflower honey
• Rich, sweet, and deeply regional

🏨 Cold Read: The “Fireproof” Hotel
A second postcard introduces:
• A luxury hotel in Minnesota
• A bold claim: fireproof construction

Which immediately raises another question:
👉 Is anything actually fireproof?

🧠 Also in This Episode:
• Bunkhouse horror stories (including an unexpected encounter 👀)
• Solo travel chaos
• The social awkwardness of being alone in public

❓ Final Thought
A postcard that reads like a profile…
A hotel that claims to be fireproof…
And a sender who might have been looking for more than a reply

We have questions...